What is the difference between Green Sticker and Red Sticker registration?

Green Sticker costs $54 for 2 years and is for emissions-compliant OHVs (most 2003+ 4-strokes), allowing year-round riding. Red Sticker also costs $54 for 2 years but is for non-compliant bikes (2003-2021 with 3 or C in 8th VIN digit) and has seasonal restrictions. Note that 2022+ competition bikes cannot be registered.

Do I need a California OHV permit if I'm from out of state?

It depends on your home state. If your vehicle has current registration from a state with an OHV program and your home state doesn't require California residents to buy permits there, you don't need a California permit. However, Arizona residents ALWAYS need the $30 Non-Resident permit. Red Sticker seasonal rules apply to non-residents with non-compliant bikes.

What happens if I don't have a USFS-approved spark arrestor?

You will NOT be allowed to ride. Rangers check spark arrestors at the entrance and there are no exceptions. The spark arrestor must be USFS-approved and in working order. Non-compliance results in immediate exclusion from the park and potential citation.

What are the sound limits and how are they enforced?

For bikes manufactured on or after January 1, 1986, the maximum is 96 dB. For bikes before January 1, 1986, the limit is 101 dB. Both are tested using SAE J-1287 standard at 20 inches. Rangers test with decibel meters at entrance and on trails. Violations result in immediate exclusion from the park.

Are helmets required for all riders at Hollister Hills?

Yes, DOT-approved helmets are required at all times while riding. Full-face helmets are strongly recommended for maximum protection. Rangers actively check for helmet compliance.

Can I ride at night at Hollister Hills?

No. Operating hours are sunrise to sunset ONLY. Night riding is not permitted. The park is open 365 days per year weather permitting, but vehicle operation is strictly limited to daylight hours for safety.

Chapter 3 of 18

Regulations That Matter

Everything You Need to Know Before You Ride

These Regulations That Matter cover everything you need to know before riding at Hollister Hills SVRA. Understanding these regulations that matter ensures a safe and legal riding experience while avoiding costly violations.

Truck in San Juan Bautista on way to Hollister Hills

OHV Registration Requirements

Before you can ride at Hollister Hills, your vehicle must have valid OHV registration according to California DMV regulations. This is strictly enforced at the entrance kiosk. Here's what you need to know about these regulations that matter:

California Residents

Green Sticker

Cost: $54 for 2 years
Bikes: Emissions-compliant (most 2003+ 4-strokes)
Access: Year-round riding
Best for: Modern bikes

Red Sticker

Cost: $54 for 2 years
Bikes: 2003-2021 non-compliant (3 or C in 8th VIN digit)
Access: Seasonal restrictions apply
Note: 2022+ competition bikes cannot be registered

Street-Licensed Vehicles

If your bike has a valid California license plate, this serves as your OHV registration. No additional sticker needed.

Where to Register

California DMV offices or online at dmv.ca.gov
Allow 4-6 weeks for sticker delivery

Out-of-State Visitors

Non-Resident OHV Permit

Cost: $30 per calendar year

Required if: Your home state doesn't require California residents to buy permits there

Arizona residents MUST purchase the Non-Resident Permit - this is strictly enforced

Where to buy: Park kiosk or pre-approved vendors

Note: Red Sticker seasonal rules apply to non-residents with non-compliant bikes

⚠️ CRITICAL: Registration Checked at Entrance

Rangers verify registration at the entrance kiosk. No registration = no riding. Expired stickers result in immediate exclusion. Check your registration the night before your trip!

Mandatory Equipment

Equipment Requirements

Spark Arrestor (MANDATORY)

100% Compliance Required

Must be USFS-approved and in working order

Rangers check at entrance - no exceptions. This requirement applies to all forest, brush, and grass-covered lands.

Penalty for non-compliance: Immediate exclusion from park, potential citation

Sound Limits (STRICTLY ENFORCED)

Bike Manufacture Date	Maximum Sound Level	Test Standard
On or after January 1, 1986	≤96 dB	SAE J-1287 (20 inches)
Before January 1, 1986	≤101 dB	SAE J-1287 (20 inches)

⚠️ Rangers Test with Decibel Meters

Sound testing happens at entrance and on trails. Violations result in immediate exclusion from the park. A quality exhaust system with functional spark arrestor/silencer is essential.

Rider Safety

Safety Requirements

Helmets (Required for All Riders)

DOT-approved helmets required at all times while riding. Full-face helmets strongly recommended for maximum protection.

Youth Rider Requirements

Ages 13 and Under

MUST be directly supervised by parent or guardian at all times while riding

Ages 14-17 (ATVs)

Must have ATV Safety Certificate OR be supervised by parent/guardian with certificate

ROVs/Side-by-Sides

Operator must be 16+ OR supervised by licensed adult

ATV Restrictions

No double riding unless vehicle designed for passenger. Helmet required for all riders.

Park Operations

Operational Rules

Operating Hours

Sunrise to Sunset ONLY

Riding permitted: Sunrise to sunset daily

Day use hours: Sunrise to sunset

Park status: Open 365 days/year (weather permitting)

Quiet hours (camping): Typically 10 PM - 7 AM (check current regulations at kiosk)

Prohibited Activities

Loaded firearms / hunting - Not permitted anywhere in park
Alcohol in open containers in vehicles - California Vehicle Code violation
Riding off designated trails - "Trails Only" riding area; violations cited
Operating under influence - DUI laws apply on and off-highway
Fireworks - Prohibited due to fire danger
Drones/UAS - Not permitted in California State Parks

Fire Prevention

⚠️ Fire Safety Critical

Campfires: Only wood and untreated wood products. Fires in designated rings only.
Spark arrestor: Required at all times, especially during June-October fire season.
Trail closures: Stay off closed trails - hot exhaust on dry grass can start fires. Learn more about fire safety from California State Parks.

Common Violations & Penalties

Understanding these regulations that matter helps you avoid violations. Rangers actively patrol and enforce regulations. Common citations include:

Missing/expired registration: $100-$500+
Non-functional spark arrestor: Immediate exclusion + citation
Excessive noise: Immediate exclusion + fine
Riding off-trail in restricted areas: $250-$1,000+
Youth riders without proper supervision: Citation + potential vehicle impound

Serious violations can result in: Citations up to $1,000+, vehicle impoundment, or permanent park exclusion. Following these regulations that matter keeps you safe and protects this valuable riding resource for future generations.

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Regulations That Matter

OHV Registration Requirements

California Residents

Green Sticker

Red Sticker

Street-Licensed Vehicles

Where to Register

Out-of-State Visitors

Non-Resident OHV Permit

⚠️ CRITICAL: Registration Checked at Entrance

Equipment Requirements

Spark Arrestor (MANDATORY)

100% Compliance Required

Sound Limits (STRICTLY ENFORCED)

⚠️ Rangers Test with Decibel Meters

Safety Requirements

Helmets (Required for All Riders)

Youth Rider Requirements

Ages 13 and Under

Ages 14-17 (ATVs)

ROVs/Side-by-Sides

ATV Restrictions

Operational Rules

Operating Hours

Sunrise to Sunset ONLY

Prohibited Activities

Fire Prevention

⚠️ Fire Safety Critical

Common Violations & Penalties

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